WWII Veteran: To Tear Down Jesus Statue “Would Tear Me Down”

World War II veterans, Congressmen, and concerned citizens met together yesterday to discuss the war memorial statue of Jesus that is the center of an atheist lawsuit.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation calls the nearly six decades old war memorial “a sham” and literally made a federal case of the matter filing suit to have it torn down.

The memorial was placed by members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division upon returning home as a reminder of the many similar statues that encouraged them as they fought across Europe.

Arnie Funk, a 91-year-old veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, told those in attendance at Monday’s town hall meeting, “I was on the front lines from the time I arrived until the war was over,” and continued, “If they tear that down now I think that would tear me down.”

This war memorial has meant a great deal to the heroes of the Greatest Generation. It should not be torn down but be allowed to stand in honor of those who fought valiantly to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

As the Missoulian reports, ACLJ Senior Attorney Cece Heil told the group that the Establishment Clause

does not require the government to expunge all religious symbolism, but rather maintain a position of neutrality.

“All the pertinent federal and Supreme Court cases point to this monument not being interpreted as a violation of the establishment clause,” she said.

The statue’s setting — a private ski resort sitting partially on federal land — also does not lend itself to religious activity, she said.

“It is a historical part of the resort, and it has gone unchallenged since its establishment,” she said.

The ACLJ is preparing to file an amicus brief on behalf of Members of Congress and thousands of Americans in defense of this war memorial statue of Jesus. Stand with Mr. Funk, Congressman Rehberg, and tens of thousands of others who are taking action in support of this historic memorial and sign on to our brief today.

About Jay Sekulow Live!

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C. The ACLJ is specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. In addition to providing its legal services at no cost to our clients, the ACLJ focuses on the issues that matter most to you — national security, protecting America's families, and protecting human life.

About Jay Sekulow

Dr. Jay Alan Sekulow is Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a legal and educational not-for-profit organization that focuses on constitutional law, the defense of freedoms of speech and religion, and international human rights. He is also Chief Counsel of the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) based in Strasbourg, France, and the Slavic Center for Law and Justice (SCLJ) in Moscow, Russia. The ACLJ also has an affiliate office in Jerusalem, Israel.

An accomplished and respected judicial advocate, Sekulow has presented oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in twelve cases in defense of constitutional freedoms. Several landmark cases argued by Sekulow before the U.S. Supreme Court have become part of the legal landscape in the area of religious liberty litigation; these cases include Mergens, Lamb's Chapel, McConnell v. FEC, Operation Rescue v. National Organization for Women, and most recently Pleasant Grove City v. Summum.

In 2009, Townhall Magazine named Sekulow to its "Townhall of Fame" and recognized him as "one of the top lawyers for religious freedom in the United States." In 2007, the Chicago Tribune concluded that the ACLJ has "led the way" in Christian legal advocacy. In 2005, TIME Magazine named Sekulow as one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals" in America and called the ACLJ "a powerful counterweight" to the ACLU. Business Week said the ACLJ is "the leading advocacy group for religious freedom." Sekulow's work on the issue of judicial nominees, including possible vacancies at the Supreme Court, has received extensive news coverage, including a front-page story in The Wall Street Journal. In addition, The National Law Journal has twice named Sekulow one of the "100 Most Influential Lawyers" in the United States (1994, 1997). He is also among a distinguished group of attorneys known as "The Public Sector 45" named by The American Lawyer (January/February 1997). The magazine said the designation represents "45 young lawyers outside the private sector whose vision and commitment are changing lives."

Sekulow brings insight and education to listeners daily with his national call-in radio program, Jay Sekulow Live!, which is broadcast throughout the country on nearly 850 radio stations. Sekulow also hosts a weekly television program, ACLJ This Week, which tackles the tough issues of the day. He is also a popular guest on nationally televised news programs on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, CNBC, and PBS.